Boutique Hotel Series: The Liberty Hotel, Boston

Have you been keeping up with all the action this week? For today’s boutique hotel, we turn to Stephanie in Boston.  When I was thinking of which cities would intrigue you, I knew I had to include Boston. Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States, and today Stephanie will give you a quick history lesson, along with a great design lesson!

Hello Life In Sketch readers! I’m Stephanie, author of the blog, The Pretty In Life.  I have spent the majority of my life in the Boston area, so I was thrilled when Tina asked me to share my favorite Boston boutique hotel with all of her readers.

Boston sure has a lot to offer, it’s small enough that you can cover a lot of ground in a short stay, but large enough that there is always something new to discover. This city has plenty of lovely and unique places to stay, but I would have to say that one of the most unique and special places to rest your head (or even pop in for a quick drink or dinner!) while you spend time in Boston, is The Liberty Hotel.

Before being transformed into a spectacular luxury hotel, this building was actually known as the Charles Street Jail.  I’ll give a quick overview of the history, but it doesn’t compare to the tour they offer, which is definitely worth it if you have the time.

The Charles Street Jail was completed back in 1851 and was considered to be one of Boston’s best examples of the “Boston Granite Style” of the mid-19th century.  In 1973, after 120 years of housing some of Boston’s most notorious criminals, prisoners revolted because of poor living conditions and the jail was declared unfit and in violation of the inmates’ constitutional rights, and all inmates were relocated by 1990.  By 2001, The Liberty Hotel was born.

What I appreciate most about this space is how well the original structure was preserved, holding on tightly to it’s original purpose, which was a far cry from a “luxury stay”.  The jail’s trademark windows, catwalks and wrought iron work all went unchanged, and are, I think, one of the highlights as you explore the hotel.  While walking through the main floor, you immediately take notice of the grand elegance, juxtaposed by the heavy iron cell bars and wooden doors.  Just outside is a lovely landscaped courtyard for hotel guests, which actually used to be the inmates’ exercise yard.

Aside from being nestled right in Boston’s famous Beacon Hill, which is an attraction itself, this hotel is also in the heart of Boston’s best shopping, lounging (the Esplanade is right in front), and eating.

The next time you’re in Boston, whether staying for a day, a night or longer, The Liberty Hotel is certainly worth a visit, as it is clearly much more than a hotel. This landmark is rich with history and wonderful sights, and, once you decide you’ve seen enough, head down to their bar and lounge, Clink; a gathering spot for both locals and visitors, and a great place to enjoy delicious food and drinks while soaking up the awe-inspiring architecture of the building.

I hope I’ve convinced you all to put this hotel on your list of to-do’s the next time you’re in town. It won’t disappoint, and speaking from experience, it is a really great place to spend a night!